2010 Trenton football preview

Friday

Aug 27, 2010 at 12:01 AM

By Cliff OlsenCorrespondent

Despite losing two key players to injury in preseason practice, Trenton started off the 2009 season with a 2-1 mark, including a victory in the final seconds over rival Bell. But from that point the Tigers went into a tailspin, losing their final seven contests of the year, which also included being shutout four times. "People didn't realize this, our district was pretty tough last year and the physical nature of our district started to take its toll on us," said coach Chris Baker, who begins his third season at Trenton with 21 players on his roster. "What killed us last year was injuries and a lack of depth. "But we are experienced, and we feel like we still have more depth than last year. We've got some replacements and we can rotate some people. I'm hoping that is going to translate into maybe getting us a few more wins this year." Offensively, the Tigers bring back eight starters to their Wing-T attack, including junior running back Brandon Stone, who ran for 706 yards and nine touchdowns last fall. Sophomore Cedric Stokes will also be in the backfield with senior Corbyn Pugh as will versatile senior Caleb Smith. He was the starting quarterback last season and is expected to still see some time under center, but will also log minutes at running back and at wide receiver. Clearing the way for Trenton's committee of running backs is an offensive line anchored by seniors Tallon Reed, T.J. Calkins and junior Sampson McNeela. Senior Chance Brooks is back as the Tigers' starting tight end, while junior Jacob Turner, who missed last season after breaking his collarbone in the first week of practice, also returns to the offensive line. Freshman Stephen Smith, Caleb's younger brother, will handle the majority of the snaps as the Tigers signal caller. Nine players are back on the other side of the ball as the Tigers will line up in a 50 and a 4-4 defense. Pugh, the leader of the Tigers' defense, returns at linebacker along with a pair of sophomores, Hunter Parrish and Breon Simms. Up front, Trenton will have Calkins, Brooks and junior Colten Duquette, while Stokes, Caleb Smith and sophomore Jonathon Smith return to the Tigers' secondary. Senior Tyler Brown, who rushed for 700 yards in 2008 and then broke his foot in preseason practice last fall, is also back as he will line up at fullback and at safety. As for the schedule, the Tigers open with Bronson and Branford before facing rival Bell in week three. The Tigers will be looking to post their fifth win over the Bulldogs in the last six years. The following week, the defending District 5-1A champions and regional finalists Dixie County comes to town to open district play. Chiefland, Hilliard, The Villages, Wildwood and Hamilton County make up the rest of the district slate as Trenton tries to return to the regional playoffs for the first time since 2007. "I feel like we have the pieces in place this year to have a pretty good football team," said Baker, who was the defensive coordinator for Newberry's 2007 Class 2B state runner up team. "I'm going to be honest, I'll be very disappointed if we are not a better football team this year."